Coach Holly Bowman (left) and her student, Avery Smith, a junior at Cy-Ranch High School

CYPRESS, Texas – On the morning of Saturday, April 13, over 50 Cy-Fair educators representing 15 schools were honored at a teacher appreciation brunch for their excellence in teaching. The event was sponsored by two Fairfield-area congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held in their newly-completed building on Fairfield Place Drive.

“This is actually the first event we’ve hosted in our new meetinghouse,” said Chris Crawford, bishop of one of the congregations. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to give back to those who so selflessly give every day to our most prized possessions, our children.”

The program included a children’s choir, a video presentation, speakers and a brunch.

Stirling D. Pack, Jr. was the keynote speaker. He told the teachers, “These young students under your care have chosen you as their outstanding teachers and mentors in all of the respective schools represented here today. We are assembled to honor you for what you do every day as teachers and administrators, making a lasting impression on their lives.”

Pack noted that directing, mentoring and encouraging children to fully reach their innate potential is both a great quest and significant challenge to those who teach.

Another speaker, Avery Smith, a junior at Cy-Ranch High School, said, “I invited Coach Holly Bowman because she has formed me to be a hard worker, dedicated teammate and student. She has helped me through some of my hardest classes. And as my swim coach, of course, she’s also taught me so much about swimming and being a great coach. Both of those skills have helped me become a better swimmer and a better teacher myself when I give swim lessons to younger children.”

Bowman said, “I am honored to be invited here today, especially by someone like Avery, who is a motivator to me. I feel very encouraged by what I’ve heard at this event. I’ve even received some inspiration today. I’ve actually thought of a new way to approach a current challenge by being more loving and ready to help.”

Dean Fantasia, a first grader at Ault Elementary, also spoke. He chose Lillian Cunningham as his special teacher and directed all of his remarks at the podium to her.

“Dean has touched my heart today,” Cunningham said. “He just said everything any teacher would love to hear! I feel appreciated and loved.”

“This has been a wonderful event,” said Ashley Clayburn, Ed.D., assistant superintendent of school improvement and accountability in Cy-Fair I.S.D. She attended the brunch on behalf of Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent. “We thank you for taking the time to honor our teachers for the outstanding work they do each and every day. I know the teachers and students will remember this celebration for a long time to come!”

Avery Smith summed up the collective feelings of all assembled when she concluded her talk by saying, “With my fellow students, we thank you for making the difference, for shaping our lives and for unlocking our future opportunities.”